Chabad Center of Northwest NJ to celebrate 38th anniversary

The Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey gathers for “Celebrating 38 Years of Uniting Communities,” its anniversary gala dinner, on Thursday, June 9, at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston. A buffet will begin at 5:30 p.m., and a celebratory dinner and program, with entertainment, will follow at 6.

This year’s guests of honor are Jonathan Wickner, COO of Wickner Realty, who is receiving the Pillar of Light award; Anthony Gerardi, representing the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, the group’s Man of The Year; and Amichai Lichtenstein, who is being given the Community Service award.

About 38 years ago, a small group of pioneers sitting around a living room table engineered Chabad’s communal activities. Over time the group has grown into a multi-faceted organization with eight community centers spread throughout the region. The dinner’s theme reflects the Chabad Center’s mission from day one: uniting with, and being there, for every human being, regardless of affiliation, background, or the energy required.

“The achievements we have been blessed with are a direct result of the selfless efforts of outstanding individuals who have made the growth of our educational, charitable, and social programs an absolute priority in their lives,” Rabbi Asher Herson, the Chabad Center’s regional director, said. “We also know that the maximization of past accomplishments is only realized when we take them to a higher level, as the verse says: ‘From Strength to Strength.’ We pray that the strength and message of our 38th anniversary dinner will enhance the growth and vibrancy of our community programs, with God’s help, to levels yet unseen.”

The Chabad Center of Northwest New Jersey serves the greater area with state-of-the-art facilities and an array of programs including a Jewish community center, an early learning center, the Adult Education Institute, the youth center, a mikvah, and an energetic synagogue that hosts services every morning and evening 365 days a year. It is the only institution offering three daily services in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. The eight community centers established under the Chabad Center’s auspices, all around northwest New Jersey, were created to better serve local constituencies with services that only a local center can provide. The Chabad Center also provides chaplaincy services and conducts various programs in conjunction with local hospitals, police departments, school districts, municipalities, and the Picatinny Arsenal.

For seating or ad journal information, go to www.OneTorahWay.org/Dinneror call (973) 625-1525, ext. 202.